2023-24 UEFA Champions League Contenders
The UEFA Champions League returns with another set of exciting matches for soccer and betting fans. All 32 teams are in action as we return to a more familiar UCL schedule following the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the midseason 2022 FIFA World Cup. Defending champions Manchester City prepare for its title defense as clubs try to reel them in as early as the group stage. As always, Nitrobetting is here to bring you the latest tournament updates. We highlight this season’s top UEFA Champions League contenders below.
A Look at the Top Dogs for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League Season
What it's all about #UCL pic.twitter.com/snBSzRUsrC
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 19, 2023
Manchester City: A Prime Favorite
Defending champions Manchester City are strong favorites to keep the title for another year. They enter the boards as +197 favorites. Manager Pep Guardiola is off to a great start in the Premier League. It also helps that the draw went in their favor, with RB Leipzig the most significant threat in Group G and coming in as +4,900 tournament winners. The pair have a history that heavily aids the English club. Haalan was mainly responsible for this tilt after the striker scored five times against the Bundesliga outfit in a 7-0 victory in the knockout stages last year.
City was unbeaten in 13 matches last time and tournament history shows that the title holders rarely go home early. The only time City failed to progress from the first group stage was when Chelsea also left early in 2012-13.
Guardiola’s side are European juggernauts at this point. They are preparing their 13th Champions League appearance and have been incredibly consistent, appearing in the knockout rounds in each of their last ten campaigns. Furthermore, Haaland is on a mission to better his previous record of 12 goals. The Norway international experienced drought in three Champions League games, and has never had a longer dry spell, so expect him to push the pedal to the metal moving forward.
2023-24 UEFA Champions League Season Contenders
MoArsenal are the second-best Premier League team on the board at +800. After an erratic last few seasons, the club returns for another attempt after more than five seasons. They are immediately seen as a strong candidate to win thanks to their previous Premier League run. Mikel Arteta’s side take on Sevilla, PSV, and Lens. There’s reason to believe they can top this pack, having made it to the knockout stage in each of their last 17 Champions League appearances. Arsenal should have pace making it to the final eight. The young core plays like a dream and is expected to mature as the tournament progresses.
Completing the top five contenders are five-time UCL champions FC Barcelona. The La Liga squad is predicted to come out on top of Group H, with their biggest hurdle being Porto. Xavi’s side can reach the knockout stage with no problem, but things may start to get shaky past the first round. Barca will need Robert Lewandowski firing on all cylinders. The Polish forward is the third-highest UCL scorer of all time with 92 goals to his name–behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The +978 favorites took off on the right foot with a victory versus Antwerp in the group stage.
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